With over 200 episodes and three wins between them, Sandra Diaz-Twine and Boston Rob Mariano are two of the most legendary castaways to ever compete in Survivor.

While the two Survivor alum are not returning to play the game and win money, they are returning to be a part of Season 39. They are returning to give a gift. The gift of knowledge.

As a trailer teaser of the upcoming season reveals, both Boston Rob and Sandra have massive statutes erected. These statutes idolize the players. Which is fitting considering this season is called Survivor: Island of the Idols.

Why did they decide to come back as mentors instead of players?

As those who have watched trailer teasers for Season 39 know, it is going to be more of a boot camp style Survivor. Boston Rob and Sandra are returnees. But, they are not playing. Instead, they will serve as guides.

During the trailer teaser, Sandra explained that wise players just need to listen to her and Rob. If they listen to the alum players… If they follow their guidance… They could stand a chance at winning the million dollars.

During the interview, Boston Rob explained that Jeff Probst knew he had no interest in returning to Survivor. He believed he redeemed himself during Redemption. He won. There was nothing left for him to do. So, it would take something truly unique and exceptional to win him over.

Jeff called him. He proposed this unique pitch. He proposed Boston Rob paying it forward. Returning. Giving the gift of his knowledge of the game to young and new players.

Rob continued to explain that he initially pitched the idea that he would want to be a part of the whole experience if he was going to give anyone advice on playing the game.

“Look, if we’re going to do it, then we got to walk the walk, it has to be authentic. I have to be out there, have to live it. I don’t want to just show up and preach a bunch of stuff if I’m not actually doing it because nobody’s going to respect that.”

Sandra Diaz-Twine was a lot less indecisive about returning to Survivor.

According to her segment of the interview, it appears as if Jeff invited Boston Rob first.

Unlike Rob, Sandra didn’t have any contingencies. The thought of going on the show, not competing, and spending time with Boston Rob sounded like a dream to her.

“I’ve always felt like if there was anyone that I really, really would enjoy being out there with for that amount of time and I could get along with them very well with no issues, it would be Rob. So I said yes right away. I didn’t even have to think about it.”

Fasten your seat belts because Season 39 of Survivor is fast approaching. The premiere is slated for September 25th.

Trisha Faulkner has been a freelance writer for a decade with a focus on news/reporting for the last three years. She enjoys writing about the Showtime series Shameless, CBS’s Survivor, Netflix, TOWIE, and some entertainment/celebrity news. In her spare time, she enjoys raising awareness about autism and spending time with her two children.